The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) is on full alert for the La Niña phenomenon that could amplify four to seven tropical cyclones that will enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility in the last three months of 2024.
According to the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA), a weak or even borderline La Niña phenomenon this month up to May next year shouldn’t be ignored as it could intensify four to seven more typhoons expected to enter the country this year.
“We have to emphasize that historically, based on the data of PAGASA when there was weak La Niña, we had been hit with more super typhoons in the months of September, October, November and December,” said Ana Liza Solis, chief of the climate monitoring and prediction section of the DOST-PAGASA climatology and agrometeorology division.
PRC Chairman and CEO Dick Gordon emphasized the importance of 4Ps: Predict, Plan, Prepare, and Practice to prepare for disasters and emergencies.
“In the Red Cross, we practice 4Ps because we have to be ahead of every disaster.”
“In the Red Cross, we practice 4Ps because we have to be ahead of every disaster. We make planning and preparation our way of life. As we forecast ahead of every disaster, we also help build resilient communities and transform their involvement in disaster risk reduction,” Gordon said.
As part of early preparations, he reiterated that the PRC is monitoring 24/7 and is ready to deploy its two million Red Cross 143 volunteers nationwide and mobilize its top-quality assets.
“To ensure food and water supplies during floods, we will intensify our hot meal and water distribution efforts, along with other humanitarian services in affected areas. We are also strengthening our health promotion seminars to safeguard vulnerable communities from flood-related diseases,” Gordon explained.
Meanwhile, PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwendolyn Pang emphasizes the importance of self-reliance during the crucial 72 hours following a disaster.
“Don’t wait for a disaster to strike; prepare your Go Bag now.”
“Don’t wait for a disaster to strike; prepare your Go Bag now with essentials to sustain you and your family for three days. It will be much more challenging to gather items in a rush, so proactive preparation is key,” Pang advised.
The PRC said that the Go Bag should contain drinking water, non-perishable food, eating utensils, a flashlight, a portable radio, extra batteries, a first-aid kit with essential medicines, personal documents (such as IDs and bank records), personal hygiene items (including soap, toothbrush, and sanitary products), a whistle, candles with matches, clothes, shoes, blankets, mats, and trash bags.
For rescue and other emergency concerns, the public may call the PRC’s 24/7 hotline by dialing 143.
